Oct. 9, 2008
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Senior punter/kicker Tim Masthay is a semifinalist for the Draddy Trophy, signifying the top scholar-athlete in the nation, as announced by the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.
In order to be nominated for the Draddy Trophy, a player must:
- be in his final season of eligibility;
- be a starter or significant contributor on the field;
- have a minimum 3.2 career grade-point average; and
- demonstrate strong leadership and citizenship.
Masthay has excelled on and off the field during his four years as a Wildcat. He contributes in multiple ways on the UK special teams. He has been the team’s starting punter all four seasons. He currently is second in the Southeastern Conference in punting, averaging 44.8 yards per punt. As UK’s kickoff man, he led the league last season with 23 touchbacks and is on pace to smash that total as a league-high 16 of his 28 kicks have been touchbacks already this season. Masthay also is the placekick holder for field goals.
Off the field, he has been very active in the “Cats That Care” service program. Masthay, who aspires to one day serve in the Peace Corps in Africa, traveled to the African country of Ghana for an educational and service trip in May. He is a frequent volunteer at the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, where he transports guests to and from medical appointments and answers phones. He also has volunteered and donated his time and money to several other causes across the Commonwealth, including the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, FreeStore Food Bank’s 5K Hunger Run/Walk, AirOne Radio Food Drive, Save Darfur Coalition, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and the Circles of Influence program at Southland Christian Church.
In the classroom, Masthay has a 3.81 grade-point average and is set to graduate in May, 2009 with a degree in economics. He was a second-team Academic All-American last season and is a two-time SEC Academic Honor Roll selection.
“The Draddy semifinalists represent everything good about college football,” said NFF President & CEO Steven J. Hatchell. “They are another fine example of how football builds leaders, and it is the NFF’s duty to promote their accomplishments while encouraging future generations of gridiron standouts to aim high on and off the football field.”
The NFF Awards Committee will select and announce up to 15 finalists on Oct. 29. Each finalist will be recognized as part of the 2008 National Scholar-Athlete Class, receiving an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship. The Draddy winner, who will receive a $25,000 postgraduate scholarship, will be announced at the NFF’s Annual Awards Dinner on December 9 in New York City. A total distribution of more than $300,000 in scholarships will be awarded that evening. UK’s Jacob Tamme was a finalist last year, one of four Wildcats in school history who have earned that distinction.
Masthay already has been chosen as a member of the 2008 national Good Works Team in honor of his community service. He also is a semifinalist for the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award, which recognizes exemplary football student-athletes.
Good News on Jeffries: There is good news regarding the sprained knee of offensive tackle Justin Jeffries, Coach Rich Brooks reported after Thursday’s practice.
At this point, it appears that Jeffries’ knee will not require surgery. If all continues to go well, Jeffries will return to the practice field in 2-3 weeks. He sustained the injury Sept. 27 during the Western Kentucky game.
Meanwhile, Kentucky wrapped up on-field preparations for the South Carolina game with a practice Thursday morning at the Nutter Training Center. The Wildcats (4-1 overall, 0-1 SEC) play host to the Gamecocks (4-2, 1-2) on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. The game is sold out. It will be a live regional telecast on Raycom Sports.
